This article challenges the assumption that a continuum of learning opportunities appropriate for exceptional persons is possible when the concept of normal distribution is used. It proposes an alternate model, a bull's eye, to accommodate the open-ended potential of the gifted population. (Author/DB)

Asserts that curricularists need to move away from curriculum based on objectives, and that they should embrace the notion of curriculum as social construction at the level of prescription and also at the level of process and practice. Maintains that methodological foci need to be developed which integrate studies at the preactive and interactive…

Observes the proliferation of fundamentalist Christian schools in the United States and describes their philosophy on schooling as educational preparation for a life of service to God and separation from the world. Considers some educational implications of this philosophy, and compares them with the Pragmatic philosophy of John Dewey. (DB)

Discusses how reading and writing are defined and valued in the study of English. Argues for teaching reading and writing as something other than a set of functional skills and for thinking about culture as more than a set of revered texts. (PRA)

Replies from 39 of 42 Canadian deans/directors of university continuing education revealed 2 groups: those identifying most with their universities and those identifying most with their communities. The two groups differed regarding continuing education's purposes, financial concerns, and perceived degree of marginality. (SK)

In 11 innovative programs examined as part of a U.S. study on adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy, the philosophies that informed the ESL curricula ranged from literacy that encouraged personal growth or individual empowerment to literacy for social adaptation or assimilation. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/LB)

One contradiction in today's discourse on education is that defenders of the canon who invoke the tradition of classical literature fail to see that the history of that literature argues that Deweyan growth is achieved by challenging old assumptions. The paper lays the foundation for a broader concept of education. (SM)

Rebuts the arguments made by Suchting criticizing constructivism. (MDH)

This discussion looks at the functional curriculum approach to educating students with disabilities. It addresses identifying functional knowledge and skills, starting a functional curriculum, needs of students with disabilities for such a curriculum, and the relationship of the functional curriculum to the traditional curriculum and to inclusive…

In examining the disproportionate representation of minority groups in special education, this article recommends the inclusion of philosophical and ethical perspectives to broader theoretical paradigms and the open acknowledgement in research efforts that issues related to ethnicity, race, and language background are highly contentious in our…

Argues that experts in philosophical and psychological paradigms can and do contribute to revisions of theories of moral excellence and that the study of prototypes has limited value for resolving some important theoretical issues. Describes research topics that can be informed by the investigation of prototypes of moral excellence, such as social…

Relate-Create-Donate, a three-component adaptable educational philosophy that integrates technology to create collaborative team experiences based on ambitious, authentic service-oriented projects. Discusses two questions which shape the philosophy of technology use in education (1) What is the role of the knowledgeable teacher? (2) what is an…

Discusses the planning process of renewing old school facilities through the imaginative use of a district's existing resources. The following five planning and implementation steps are examined: the evaluation of existing resources; reconfirming the district's educational philosophy; compiling key facility program information; recognizing the…

In this interview Diane Ravitch, former Assistant Secretary of Education and Counselor to the Secretary of Education, Lamar Alexander, discusses her current role as an education policy maker and writer, her educational experiences, her educational philosophy, and the failure of the education system to develop children's potential. (CR)

A typical instrument used to elicit college students' evaluations of teaching was critically analyzed with reference to two teaching paradigms: transmission and engaged-critical. Analysis revealed that the evaluation form does not represent all conceptions of teaching and learning, but is more consistent with the transmission paradigm and…